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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

March 20, 2012 · Aeronca 7AC · N82406

Clearwater, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 20, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Clearwater, FL
Aircraft
Aeronca 7AC
Tail Number
N82406
Operator
7Ac Club
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA12CA245

The commercial pilot said that he was receiving flight instruction in the tailwheel-equipped airplane and that as he lifted the tailwheel off runway for takeoff, the airplane encountered a wind gust and veered to the left. The pilot said that he had "little to no" control of the airplane. The flight instructor then assumed control of the airplane; however, the airplane departed the left side of the runway and struck a fence. The airplane's main landing gear separated and the airframe was substantially damaged. Both pilots reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot receiving instruction reported 1,530 hours of total flight experience, which included 2 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision, which resulted in a runway excursion.

Full Narrative

The commercial pilot was receiving instruction in the tailwheel equipped airplane, from a certified flight instructor (CFI), and began the takeoff roll from runway 16, without incident. The commercial pilot stated that as he lifted the tailwheel off the runway, the airplane encountered a wind gust, veered to the left, and that he had "little to no" control of the airplane. The CFI assumed control of the airplane; however, it subsequently departed the left side of the runway and struck a fence. The airplane's main landing gear separated and the airframe was substantially damaged. Both pilots reported that they did not experience any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The commercial pilot reported 1,530 hours of total flight experience, which included 2 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane. Winds reported an airport located about 5 miles southeast of the accident site, around the time of the accident, were from 120 degrees at 9 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:10 EDT
Nearest AirportClearwater Air Park (0nm)
Runway16
Runway Length3500 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAeronca 7AC
Tail NumberN82406
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operator7Ac Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · AC65 SERIES · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 71 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 87 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 63 F
Altimeter30.10 inHg
Observation Time12:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data